Now that Colorado voters have passed the Natural Medicine Health Act, the state has a few steps to take before it can really see a regulated industry of psychedelic mushrooms.
The measure allows licensed “healing centers” to provide access to psilocybin and psilocin, psychoactive compounds found in many fungal species, for therapeutic purposes. It also decriminalizes “personal use” of substances and allows people to own and grow psychedelic mushrooms in their own homes.
The first step on the itinerary is to create an advisory board that includes appointees from Gov. Jared Polis tasked with helping the regulator implement the new program.
According to the wording of the law, the board will contain 15 members. At least seven are expected to have expertise and experience in topics including, but not limited to, natural medicine treatments and research, emergency medical services, health insurance and policy, or Harm His Reduction. At least eight members are expected to have experience with religious and traditional indigenous use of natural medicines, issues affecting veterans, disparities in access to healthcare, or criminal justice reform in Colorado It has been.
“We will follow the will of the voters and appoint a 15-member advisory committee to oversee the regulatory process regarding this new voter-approved measure,” said Melissa, spokesperson for the governor’s office. Dworkin said in an email.
Josh Kappel, an attorney who chaired Natural Medicine Colorado’s campaign committee and helped draft Proposition 122, said he trusts the governor to appoint a board that includes all relevant stakeholders. I was. The board’s original purpose, he said, was to provide DORA with recommendations on the implementation of the program.
“We are working with all relevant stakeholders and the state government to provide access to this much-needed tool to address the mental health crisis in our state in a safe, responsible and fair manner.” We are excited to implement Proposition 122,” said Kappel.
After working with DORA to develop the programme, the Board has developed a public health approach to natural medicine, educational campaigns, efficacy and regulatory studies, training programs, equitable and culturally responsible access, and data collection and reporting. make an annual recommendation on Kappel added that the board will likely produce regular reports analyzing the program’s effectiveness.
Supporters of the ballot measure point to research showing that psychedelic substances are effective in treating depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental health conditions. The Drug Administration has designated psilocybin as a “breakthrough therapy” for the treatment of major depressive disorder.
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Coloradan can start applying for center license in September 2024
Ben Unger, who works with New Approach, an organization involved in passing both Oregon’s Bill 109 and Colorado’s Proposition 122, said in an email that his biggest hopes for the advisory committee are: said like this. and promote equitable access for all who can benefit. “
For the first appointments to be made by 31 January 2023, seven members will be appointed for two-year terms and eight will be appointed for four-year terms. After the first board meeting, all members are appointed for her four-year term and may serve two consecutive terms.
After the appointee is named, the board will begin an 18-month rule-making process to develop rules for facilitator licensing, training, and the operation of the healing center, Kappel said. , said Colorado Natural Medicine will remain a state resource as it seeks to implement Prop. 122 in a “responsible, fair and safe manner.”
“We will work with everyone, not just government stakeholders, but those who opposed us, to not only keep them safe, but to help the people of Colorado after the passage of Prop. 122. We want to be able to create programs that provide the mental health treatments and options you expect,” Kappel said.
Unger pointed out that the proposal language states that Coloradans can begin applying for healing center licenses in September 2024. Over the next year or so, interested stakeholders should keep an eye on the development of regulations for facilitators and safety rules for clients, he said.
“It is reasonable to expect the service to potentially launch in the summer of 2025,” Unger said in an email. “It is important that states work with experts to develop processes that promote safety while protecting access for those who could benefit.”
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